The 2026 policy introduces merit-based selection, written examinations, training requirements and stricter eligibility conditions for support staff deployed at Pakistan’s trade missions worldwide.
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a new policy governing the selection and overseas posting of support staff at Pakistan’s trade missions worldwide, establishing a standardised, merit-based recruitment and deployment framework.
Approved by the Secretary Commerce, the policy covers three categories of Pakistan-based personnel: Commercial Assistants, Drivers/Messenger-cum-Drivers and Security Guards.
The guidelines aim to improve transparency, operational efficiency and accountability in supporting Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) at international missions.
Commercial Assistants: Quotas and Selection
Under the 2026 policy, Commercial Assistant positions (BS-14 to BS-16) will be allocated between two staff categories:
• Category I (56%): Assistant Private Secretaries and Stenotypists.
• Category II (44%): Assistants and Data Entry Operators.
All available and anticipated vacancies over the next 12 months will be advertised internally.
Selection will carry three components: written and skills tests (60%), interview (30%) and Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs) (10%). Candidates must secure at least 50% marks in the written and skills assessments.
The examination will cover secretariat procedures, financial management, English, international trade and computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Successful candidates must complete four weeks of mandatory training at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD).
Rules for Drivers and Security Guards
Drivers, messenger-cum-drivers and security guards will be selected through a specialised committee on a seniority-cum-fitness basis.
Drivers must hold a driving licence issued at least five years earlier and pass a practical test conducted by Islamabad Capital Territory Traffic Police. GPS navigation skills will also be assessed.
Candidates demonstrating basic English proficiency will receive five additional interview marks. Selected personnel must complete three weeks of specialised pre-deployment training.
Eligibility and Disqualification
Applicants must have at least five years of continuous service at the Ministry of Commerce. Officials returning from previous foreign postings or extended leave and deputation must complete two years of service at headquarters before reapplying.
Officials with major penalties, pending disciplinary proceedings, unsatisfactory security clearance or attempts to influence selection will be disqualified.
Employees who have completed two foreign postings, served more than six years abroad, have fewer than four years remaining before retirement or received average PER scores for three years will also be ineligible.
Three-Year Tenure and Strict Conditions
The overseas posting tenure will be three years, with extensions allowed only in extraordinary circumstances. Transfers between commercial sections and station swaps will not be permitted.
Staff must return directly to the Ministry’s headquarters in Islamabad after completing their assignments.
Medical fitness and security clearances will be mandatory for employees and accompanying dependents. Selected personnel must also sign legal undertakings restricting applications for permanent residency, asylum or citizenship in host countries.
The new policy supersedes previous regulations. Final selection lists and overseas station assignments will require approval from the Secretary Commerce.